The Wetlands Institute’s 9th Annual Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival kicks off Saturday, May 21 in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Festival tickets for non-members are $25 for adults and $20 for children. TWI Members enjoy a reduced rate of $20 for adults and $15 for children. Tickets can be purchased online at The Wetlands Institute’s website at wetlandsinstitute.org/events/spring-shorebird-and-horseshoe-crab-festival.
Tickets include your choice of two festival events on Saturday, May 21 and admission to the Institute on BOTH Saturday and Sunday, between 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. Registration for selected Saturday events will be made at the time of ticket purchase. Purchase tickets online or call The Wetlands Institute at 609-368-1211.
“Our shores host the largest concentration of spawning Horseshoe crabs in the world – which is tied to the incredible 10,000 mile migration of shorebirds. Connecting people to nature – this natural spectacle, here in Cape May County – is part of the work we do at TWI,” offers Executive Director Dr. Lenore Tedesco.
Festival events are scheduled for Saturday, May 21. They include options for three guided walks held at select beaches throughout Cape May County and a Horseshoe Crab workshop presented at The Wetlands Institute. Attendees may choose from a guided migratory bird walk at Stone Harbor Point where shorebirds, songbirds, and other migrants may be seen; Shorebird Viewing at Cooks Beach, one of the best locations to view migrating shorebirds; Sunset Birding at the Beach at Stone Harbor Point; and A Horseshoe Crab Spawning Talk and reTURN the Favor Walk on the Villas Beach.
Festival attendees will meet at designated sites and are encouraged to bring their binoculars, scopes, and cameras. Staff will have spotting scopes available to enhance the experience. In celebration of the season, Skimmer Tours will offer eco-cruises departing from The Wetlands Institute for an additional fee. Highlights of the cruise include birds and wildlife of the salt marsh and marine life touch tanks. Pre-registration and an additional program fee are required for the cruise. Call 609-884-3100 or visit skimmer.com for reservations.